Keith Sim
GOLDSMITH
Black Isle, Highland, Scotland
Making, designing and repairing jewellery for over 35 years.
ABOUT
Hello, I am Keith Sim and am based on the Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland. I have been making, designing and repairing jewellery for over thirty years. In that time there have been many changes within the jewellery industry.
I started out working for a manufacturing jeweller in Dunoon, Argyll, Scotland. The company specialised in making badges, medals and jewellery for the trade, clubs and organisations, including the Scottish Football Association, Glasgow City Council and the Cowal Highland Gathering. I still make the medals for the Cowal Highland Gathering to this day, around nine hundred medals every year as well as medals for golf clubs.
After leaving Scotia Manufacturing Jewellers I moved up to the Scottish Highlands to manage the precious metals workshop at Highland Craftpoint in Beauly. Part of my remit was to run training courses for the jewellery trade in Scotland. These courses included casting, stone setting, enamelling and manufacturing.
I left Craftpoint to start my own business making and repairing jewellery for the shops in the Inverness area. At the height, I did the work for around fourteen shops, which was back in the day when there were around twenty jewellers in the Inverness area. Twenty years on I still do work for a couple of the shops as well as my own bespoke work. Wedding and engagement rings are amongst the most requested commissions, but as you can see from the gallery my work is very varied.
As I mentioned at the beginning there have been many changes within the trade from when I started out. The use of computer-aided design, 3D printing, laser welding, and the internet are now the normal. Keeping up with these advances in technology has been both interesting and challenging, and in my opinion, essential in providing the best and full service to my customers.
This website showcases some of the pieces I have made over the years.
I work on a commission base only as I do not have a shop or hold any stock. All my work is undertaken on a strictly by appointment only basis. If you are interested in having a piece commissioned, repairs carried out, or interested in a jewellery-making course, please contact me initially by email on the contact page.
Thank you for taking the time to visit the site.
( The background photograph is of Rannoch Moor in the Scottish Highlands, taken early on a cold and beautiful morning in November. )
SERVICES
Re-modelling
Older jewellery re-modelled into a modern piece to the customer's design.
Pre-loved jewellery re-modelled into an infinity bangle set with 3 diamonds from the ring. Made to the customer's design.
This was a commission to make an 18ct white gold ring using the aquamarine from the pendant and adding two princess cut diamonds.
The before picture shows a typical workflow. The top pictures are the client's idea of the ring and the pendant to be used. Below, a sketched image and a rendered image showing the proposed design were sent to the client for approval.
The 'after' photograph is of the completed ring.
This commission was to design and make something different and more interesting using the stones and gold from an old ring.
This commission was to make a four stone, princess cut diamond ring to complement the customer's engagement ring. A photo of the engagement ring provided by the customer is shown top left of the before slider. I supplied three possible designs based on the information given. The design that was chosen is the one on the bottom right of the before slider. The after slider shows the completed commission.
Courses
I will be offering one-on-one training courses based on individual requirements. These can be from a beginner level to a very advanced level. Hand making through to CAD [ Computer Aided Design ] , casting, stone setting, enamelling and jewellery photography. Learn what tools and equipment are needed, as well as the best practices. Having the correct tools for the job is important and being shown what works and doesn't can save you thousands of pounds. The jewellery tool and equipment market is a bit of an expensive maze.
The course will be tailored to your requirements and skill level. You choose the aspects you want to be included, from the design through to the final photograph for your website. Learn new skills in a peaceful and relaxing environment.
If this is of any interest to you please contact me initially via email on the contacts page.